EXAMINING CHURCHES AS EXAMPLES
                                             2 Corinthiaris 9: 1 -5

                            Thesis: to convince people of the necessity of working
                                   together in the church.

                            Introduction:
                            I - The importance of an individual's example is seen in:
                                A. Biblical statements: light and salt. (Matt. 5:!3-16.)
                                B. The sermons we have heard emphasizing this power.
                                C. Articles we have read showing importance of one
                                    person's life.
                            2.  The Bible also shows the power of group/congregational
                                example.
                            3.  The background of the text.
                                A. Paul urged God's people to give to the poor.
                                B. He used the church at Corinth as an example to the
                                    churches of Macedonia.
                            4.  In this lesson we shall consider:
                                A. An inference.
                                B. The importance.
                                C. An investigation.

                            Body:
                            1. An Inference
                                A. The group is important and being a part of a
                                   congregation is a vital part of spiritual vitality and
                                   spiritual survival.
                                B. In our day individualism challenges the existence of the
                                   church.
                                C. Paul's body illustration shows importance of individual
                                   to the group. (I Cor. 12:13-27.)

                            11. The Importance.
                                A. A congregation is made of individuals and reflects our
                                    individual values, attitudes, and behavior.
                                B. A Biblical application of the vital role of each part.
                                    (2 Cor. 9:6,7.)
                                C. What do I contribute to the body?
                                     1. How friendly is this body of people?
                                     2. How zealous are we?
                                      3. How happy are we?
                                 D. What are you doing for the group. (Eph. 4:16.)

                       Ill.  An Investigation
                           A. A possibility of deception. (Rev. 3:1.)
                            B. Some groups are:
                               1. Iconoclastic.
                                   a. They attack "tradftions".
                                   b. They are known more for what they are
                                      against than what they are for.
                               2. Revolutionary.
                                   a. Trying to find ways to appeal to the world.
                                   b. The gospel has never appealed to some. (I
                                      Cor. 1:20-29.)
                               3. Reactionary.
                                   a. Constantly reacting to iconoclastic,
                                      revolutionary churches.
                                   b. Seem to thrill on what others are doing.
                               4. Stationary.
                                   a. In a pattern of contentment, in difference.
                                   b. Laodecia is an example. (Rev. 3:17.)
                           C. What would be your idea of the ideal congregation.
                               1 - Involvement. (Eph. 4:16.)
                               2. Caring. (I Cor. 12:25.)
                               3. Clear mission.
                               4. Spiritually healthy.
                               S. A caring leadership.
                               6. Loving-friendly.
                               7. Happy.

                        Conclusion:
                       1. The influence of individuals is indeed significant.
                       2. The power of a group is also signfficant.
                          A. Politicians know the power of groups: The Labor vote,
                              or, Educational associations, black vote.
                          B. People banding together can have great strength.